Sturm Ruger No. 1B Single Shot Rifle 6mm Rem. 26” Falling Block Rifle 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,306.00
LSB#: LSB250718LT093
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1B
Serial Number: 131-26832
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: 6mm Remington
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The left side of the chamber is marked, “6mm REM.”. The top of the barrel is marked, “BEFORE USING GUN-READ WARNINGS IN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AVAILABLE FREE FROM STURM, RUGER & CO. INC., SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked, “131-26832”. There is a circled PR proof mark on the left side of the chamber. The top of the receiver is marked, “RUGER No. 1”.
Barrel Length: 26” from Muzzle to Breech.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel is mounted with a quarter rib, and is set up for Ruger-Style rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with traditional capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling rings front and rear, and a red rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show no notable signs of wear. The checkering is sharp on both the wrist and the forend. The finish on the stock is strong throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99%+ of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. The lever lockup is strong. This rifle comes with a tang mounted safety, and it functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1B is widely regarded as a modern classic in single-shot rifle design — a falling-block platform that marries elegant simplicity with an outsized reputation for accuracy. Chambered here in 6mm Remington with a 26″ barrel and quarter rib set up for Ruger-style rings, this example presents as a purposeful varmint and precision light-game rifle. Its lever-actuated falling block and clean lines reflect Ruger’s late-1970s approach: solid mechanical function with an emphasis on shootability and straightforward, long-term serviceability.
Introduced by Remington in 1955 as the .244 Remington and later rebranded the 6mm Remington, the cartridge was developed as a dual-purpose 6mm round intended to serve both varmint and medium-game roles. Remington based the design on the same family as the .257 Roberts / 7×57mm Mauser (necked down) and eventually standardized barrels with faster twists to stabilize heavier 100-grain class bullets.
Cosmetically and mechanically this rifle is exceptional. The metal retains better than 99% of its original blued finish and the two-piece checkered walnut stocks are sharp, structurally sound, and free of chips or cracks, fitting the action tightly with a 13½” LOP. The bore is bright with deep, sharp rifling and rates 10/10 in this writer’s opinion; the action cycles smoothly, the lever lockup is strong, the tang safety functions correctly, and screw heads and markings present cleanly. Our bench check revealed a crisp, clean trigger break and no functional issues noted during inspection.
For the Ruger collector or precision shooter this No. 1B represents a near-mint, ready-to-use example of one of Ruger’s most respected single-shot designs. It will serve beautifully as a centerpiece in a Ruger collection or as a hard-working varmint rifle, offering the kind of accuracy and finish retention that collectors and hunters alike prize. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
